Hello to everyone living in Spain! When I first arrived, I’m sure many of you experienced that moment of analysis paralysis, staring at a whole aisle of ham, cheese, and olive oil in the supermarket. To help newcomers avoid some pitfalls, today I’m sharing a few local Spanish brands that I’ve personally tested over the years and found to be consistently high-quality, delicious, and affordable. You’ll never again have to worry about making the wrong choice!
First, let’s talk about the soul of Spanish cuisine—ham and cheese. For everyday ham, you can’t go wrong with brands like ElPozo and Navidul; they’re foolproof choices available in pre-sliced packages at all major supermarkets, which is very convenient. If you want to try Iberian ham, look for the word Ibérico on the packaging. For cheese, I highly recommend Manchego cheese. Look for the brand García Baquero; its taste and flavor are incredibly authentic. It’s fantastic on its own, with bread, or paired with red wine.
Next up is olive oil, a staple in every Spanish household. Spain produces world-class olive oil at very reasonable prices. When buying, make sure to look for Aceite de Oliva Virgen Extra on the bottle, as this indicates the highest grade. As for brands, Carbonell and La Española are trusted national favorites with guaranteed quality, perfect for drizzling on salads or for cooking.
When it comes to drinks, the options are even more extensive. I’ve put together a simple table to help you choose based on your needs:
| Drink Category | Recommended Brands | Why We Recommend It |
|---|
| Juice / Milk | Don Simón / Pascual | National brands, high juice content, rich and creamy milk |
| Beer | Mahou / Estrella Galicia | Crisp and refreshing, a Spanish mealtime essential |
| Horchata | Chufi | A specialty drink from Valencia, delicious when served chilled |
| Mineral Water | Solán de Cabras | The famous blue bottle, high-quality water with a slightly sweet taste |
These are just a few of my personal favorites! Of course, Spain has much more to offer, and every region has its own unique local treasures. Feel free to add and share your favorites in the comments below. Let’s share recommendations and discover more delicious Spanish food and drinks together!
